Style Star On The Rise – A Fashionable Q&A with Avanti Gupta

In NewsWhistle’s weekly question-and-answer series, Clara Morgan speaks with some of her favorite influencers and finds out more about their lives and career. This week, Clara speaks with New York it-girl and rising style star Avanti Gupta.

A graduate of the Parsons School of Design—where she took coursework in innovation, graphic design and intensive drawing—Avanti’s seven years in the luxury fashion industry has seen her work at super luxe brands such as Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace and Fendi; she’s also assisted on shoots with the likes of Bergdorf Goodman and the New York Post.

Today, the social media personality and red carpet hostess shares her fashion, lifestyle and travel snaps with her more than 24,000 Instagram followers, and gives back through volunteer work with organizations such as Oxfam.

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How and when did you first realize you wanted to work in your current industry?

I always was enamored by fashion and being an on-screen host. From a very young age, I would always ensure I was dressed up with a multitude of coordinating accessories and jewelry. I also enjoyed creating stories and letting my imagination run wild – all factors that really helped me build the path that I’m currently on.

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How would you describe your personal style?

I love to take risks and I LOVE a bold color, pattern, or texture. My style revolves around structured statement pieces, feminine dresses, and edgy patterns.

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Who is your style icon? Where do you find style inspiration?

One of my style icons is Giovanna Battaglia – she is able to mix colors, patterns, and structural pieces in such a perfect way. I find a lot of my style inspiration on Instagram and online publications. I’m always drawn to strong editorial images.

Hosting red carpet interviews with the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. It was a very encouraging and exciting moment for me – and I loved my Mr. Self Portrait dress I had on!

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What is a typical day in your life like?

I try to go to the gym every morning, have a much needed chai afterwards as I power through emails. I send all of my most important ideas and well thought emails before lunch. I like to spend the time right after lunch to browse for creative inspiration and to rejuvenate from the morning. In the evening, I’m always at an event or catching up with people in person.

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What are three never-miss events on your calendar?

New Year’s (have to set those goals!), Oscars Red Carpet, NYFW

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What are your three favorite locations in the city?

The Met, West Village, and NoHo.

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What are your three favorite restaurants in the city?

Sant Ambroeus West Village, AbcV, Balade.

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What about your three favorite bars? Death & Co, Apotheke, Acme

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What has been your best New York moment? What about the worst? This is a tough one!

Best: My first week at Parsons – I immediately felt like my eyes had been opened and I was seeing the world through a different lens. It was like I had found the school and the city where I knew I belonged.

Worst: When I left my job at Louis Vuitton and was struggling to find my next move and figure out how to do what I loved.

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Name your go-to…

Outfit: Pink Fendi dress with monster eyes all over

Perfume or Fragrance: Tom Ford White Patchouli or a fragrance I make myself

Movie: Midnight in Paris

Book: Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan novels

TV show: The Crown, 30 Rock, Agatha Christie’s Poirot

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Name your favorite vacation spot, and the hotel you stay at while there. What makes these spots special?

Rome and Sicily. I just revisited this summer and absolutely loved it. Within Sicily – It was an unparalleled experience staying at the Palazzo Conte Federico and meeting with the Contessa and Conte who still live there. It was where Richard Wagner once played the piano and Garibaldi kicked off the Italian Revolution! The Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina provided the most peaceful, rejuvenating and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. They also give you access to a private beach which was extremely fun to take over with our group of 10 people.

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What are your three most played songs?

“Canal St” by A$AP Rocky, a remix of “Lisztomania” by Phoenix, “Never Give Up” by Sia.

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What are three items you couldn’t live without?

My phone, my dresses (can that count as one? J), and lipstick.

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If you could meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

Oprah – she is a constant source of inspiration and vision. She is such a strong and intelligent woman that continues to grow and build. I recently saw an interview of her where she speaks about how we manifest our lives through intention and thought, emphasizing how important it is to always think positively and control our thoughts. That idea really resonated with me as I really believe that to be true!

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What is something people might not know about you?

I have many interests and am very creative and analytical at the same time.

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Do you have any advice for aspiring stylists and influencers?

Continue to find your voice and inspirations and infusing your work with them!

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What changes do you think your industry will undergo in the next 5-10 years?

I think the fashion industry is going to evolve a lot – especially with department stores becoming more than just stores but also providing full lifestyle experiences. I don’t think people will be shopping in stores nearly as much. On screen – I think we are continually going to see more real stories and diversity.

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Is there anything else you’d like to share, discuss or promote?

I think it’s a really interesting and exciting time we are currently in – especially with all the cultural and diverse focuses we’re in the midst of. Living in NYC – it’s really great to be able to be surrounded by so many different cultures, cuisines, and inspirations. I’m really excited to continue on my path and focused on creating more video content.

You’ve heard about the bands in your city and the movies playing on your television, but there’s great music, art, fashion and fun to be found the world over. Travel with us and learn about new styles, hot trends and trailblazing ideas, whether it’s an interview from New York, a design from Hong Kong or a movie from Mumbai. This is NewsWhistle, your international passport to the latest news, entertainment and travel stories. See and shop the world!